Nicola Bathie McLaughlin X Mums In Style

I am so delighted to introduce this month’s ‘Mums in Style’ guest Nicola Bathie McLauglin.

Nicola is a very good friend of the brand and founder of her beautiful namesake jewellery label, Nicola Bathie Jewellery. Nicola lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband and their three children Emilia, Sophia & Oliver.

Join us as we discuss how to strike the balance between work and motherhood, the one thing nobody tells you and Nicola’s Spring/Summer Wish List for the perfect party pieces as she plans a magical summer in London.

We hope you enjoy

Celia X

Balance:

C: How do you strike the balance between work and motherhood?
N: I am seven years in and it is still a daily balancing act! While the children are in school, I prioritise doing the things that need to be done in silence and high priority tasks. When the children are home, I am with them unless they are playing and busy and then I will check off the easier to-dos.

C: Favourite way to unwind?
N: I actually need to decompress a few times a day! I love to start my day with exercise which is a great way to unwind after the whirlwind of getting the children out the door for school. Then I take little breaks throughout the day and do something mindless for 5-10 minutes. At the end of the day, I love to clean up the house so we have a fresh start in the morning and once that is done, I love to sit and do a daily miniature crossword on The New York Times App.

C: What's the one thing about Motherhood that no one ever told you?
N: The magnitude to which your heart strings will actually be pulled.

C: What does your perfect evening look like?
N: Lots of kisses and hugs and to put the children down for bed and they drift off right away. A quick walk with our two dogs, and then to watch a thrilling show with my husband.

Nicola's children; Emilia, Sophia & Oliver.

Family Time:

C: Favourite family activity?
N: Family walks. Although my children would prefer the playground over this.

C: Favourite bedtime story?
N: The Wonderful Things You Can Be by Emily Winfield

C: Favourite Spring activities in San Antonio?
N: Anything outdoors!!!! We are outside as much as we can be in the spring, as it's too hot in the summer (which is when we migrate to London!)

Nicola's Summer in the City outfits.

Style:

C: Do you think your style has changed since having children?
N: Yes! I feel like there is a change of dressing practicality that a Mother has to have when dressing with children and when pregnant with a growing body.

C: What is your approach to transitional seasonal dressing? Both your own wardrobe and the children’s?
N: Layers! It is so darling to add a knit!

Styling the Dusty Pink Espina Cotton Embroidered Cardigan & Lilac Floral Odisea A-Line Dress.

C: What are staples for your children’s new season wardrobes?
N: We always have a go-to gorgeous dress.

C: Go-to gift ideas for a new arrival?
N: There is nothing sweeter than a newborn in a knit set. I have purchased one for each one of my children when they were born. I always get them in 3m so we have a little bit of room to grow!!